Beijing, Mar 1 (IANS): China's first law targeting violence within the home came into force on Tuesday, outlining a new approach to spousal and partner abuse and challenging traditional notions about family values.

As China's first national law against domestic violence comes into force, legal professionals across the country are predicting a sharp decline in the number of cases of spousal and partner abuse, the China Daily reported.

"Domestic violence won't stop until offenders see the actual punishments when the law comes into force," said Wang Xinliang, a lawyer with a law firm, who added that the message will really be driven home when restraining orders and warnings are issued.

The legislation, the second and final draft of which was approved by the state legislature in December 2015, has been hailed as a milestone in the movement to protect women from physical and psychological abuse at home.

"The new law signals huge progress in the move to eradicate the harm and fear that results from domestic violence," said Li Mingshun, a professor of law at the China Women's University in Beijing.